Directions:1) Cook bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, and set aside.
2) Slice flank steak and season with salt and pepper. Brown the steak in the Dutch oven in batches, approximately 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and continue browning remaining steak.
3) Add sliced onions and peppers to Dutch oven and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in cumin, thyme, oregano, garlic, bay leaf, and tomato paste. Cook for 3 more minutes.
4) Pour in the wine and scrape the bottom of the Dutch oven to deglaze. Return the steak and bacon to Dutch oven.
5) Add in stock and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 2 hours.
6) Stir in olives, pimientos, and vinegar. Cook uncovered another 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, serve with fresh cilantro and maybe a dollop of sour cream!

This week I had one of those days where no matter how many recipes I looked at, all I wanted was some savory, comforting, meaty pasta dish. Nothing else would satisfy my mood. I had the time, so decided to be patient and make a bolognese sauce. Few pasta sauces are better than one with three meats that has been simmering for two hours in vegetables and wine. Because health was out the window last night, I served the sauce over cheese tortellini, but it would also be delicious with a simpler noodle. Try this next time you’re making pasta, but don’t rush it! The long simmering time really makes this sauce.

Directions:1) Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Cook onions, celery, and carrots, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
2) Add all three meats, and cook until brown, about 10-15 minutes.
3) Pour in wine and cook for 1 minute. Then add stock, paste, and oregano. Stir and remove heat to very low. Cook, uncovered, for 1 and a half hours.
4) After that time is up, season sauce with kosher salt and fresh black pepper.
5) Cook for another 30 minutes, with the lid on. Stir in half and half, 1/4 cup at a time until the 30 minutes is over. Add more stock if you want for desired consistency.
6) Serve garnished with Parmesan and your favorite pasta!

Ever have one of those days where you just need some feel good food that makes both your heart and your taste buds happy? My friend Jamie sent me this recipe for just that. I made it on a Monday and it was just what the day needed. I mean really… who doesn’t feel better after spaghetti and meatballs? Especially ones filled with basil and spicy Italian sausage.

Directions:1) Preheat oven to 350.
2) Mix together the 5 ingredients in a large bowl.
3) Remove sausage from their casings and add to bowl. Stir in basil and mix together well with your hands.
4) Grease a baking sheet and form meatballs (makes around 18-20).
5) Bake for 20 minutes and serve with spaghetti and marinara, or some veggies and fresh bread. And feel better!

Man oh man was this good. And it was fast – but tasted like you put some TLC into it and spent a while in the kitchen. Whip this up on a weeknight instead of takeout! I exactly halved this recipe for us, and it made two generous dinner portions with lunch leftovers. The recipe below will serve closer to 6-8.

Directions:1) Combine soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and sriracha in bowl. Add sliced beef and toss to coat. Set aside.
2). Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once very hot, throw in the onions and cook for less than a minute. Remove to a separate plate. Bring skillet back to very hot, and add bell peppers and jalapeno. Cook for one minute, until peppers begin to brown. Remove to a separate plate.
3) Bring the skillet back up to high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add 1/3 of the meat mixture to the skillet, spreading out evenly. (Don’t throw away the sauce.) Cook for 30 seconds, then flip with tongs. Cook for another 30 seconds, then remove to a separate plate. Repeat until all meat is cooked.
4) Reduce heat to low. Return the meat and peppers and onions to the skillet. Pour in the sauce the meat marinated in. Simmer on low heat for a few minutes while sauce thickens. Turn off heat.
5) Serve with rice or stir fry noodles, topped with cilantro leaves.

It’s hard to beat Italian comfort food, and stuffed shells are just that. These cheesy stuffed shells are covered in a meaty sauce and are great served with a simple salad and garlic bread. Thanks, Pioneer Woman! Made a few minor adjustments for my own personal taste, such as San Marzano tomatoes, a little less sugar, and a little red pepper for some heat. If you can find San Marzano tomatoes at the store, I highly recommend them!

Directions:1) Cook pasta shells for half the cooking time. Drain and rinse in cool water and set aside.
2) Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add Italian sausage and cook until brown, breaking up into small pieces.
3) Pour in red wine and cook for another minute or two.
4) Pour in cans of tomatoes and stir. Add sugar, salt, and red pepper, then bring to a boil. Once just boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5) While the sauce is cooking, mix ricotta, half the Parmesan, Romano, egg, salt and pepper, basil and 2 tbsp parsley in a bowl. Stir until combined.
6) Preheat oven to 350, and spray a baking dish with Pam. Once the sauce is done, pour some over the bottom of the baking dish to coat. Then fill each shell with the cheese mixture and place face down on the sauce. Repeat with remaining shells. Top all the shells with the remaining sauce, and then sprinkle on the rest of the Parmesan and parsley.
7) Bake for 25 minutes.

Directions:1) Preheat oven to 425.
2) Season pork with kosher salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. Then rub on the herbs de provence until coating all sides of the tenderloin.
3) Roast in the oven for 15 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and rest 10 minutes under foil. Enjoy!